The State of Illinois requires all security guards to be licensed and registered through the state’s regulatory framework. The Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) is the foundational credential for all security professionals operating within Illinois.
If you’re looking to start a career in security, it’s crucial to understand PERC requirements. This guide on PERC information and procedures explains how to get a PERC in Illinois and why compliance with the requirements is critical.
What Is a PERC?
The PERC is official proof that an individual successfully passed fingerprint-based criminal background checks conducted by the Illinois State Police and the FBI. This credential represents the legal authorization to work in security-related positions throughout Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees the PERC application process as part of the regulatory framework established by the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act. All individuals performing security functions for licensed agencies must possess valid PERCs.
The PERC doesn’t constitute training certification, but rather serves as registration, confirming that an individual has met background check requirements and maintains eligibility for security employment. This distinction is important because the card complements the required security officer training and certification, establishing comprehensive professional credentials.
The PERC Application Process
Obtaining the card involves a process that ensures all security professionals meet Illinois’s comprehensive standards. The application process includes eligibility verification, formal application submission and mandatory training completion.
Eligibility Requirements
Illinois establishes clear eligibility criteria for PERC applicants:
- Age: The minimum age requirement is 18 years for unarmed security positions and 21 years for armed security positions.
- Background check: The mandatory fingerprint-based background check examines criminal histories at the state and federal levels.
- Education: Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Other prerequisites: Additional requirements include current child support compliance and satisfaction of tax obligations.
Application Process
The PERC application process begins with getting fingerprints taken from an IDFPR-licensed vendor. These vendors use electronic scanning technology to capture fingerprints for direct transmission to law enforcement databases. Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days before application submission.
The online application on the IDFPR website streamlines the submission process. Required information includes the following:
- Personal identification data and contact details
- Complete employment history for the past five years
- Criminal disclosure statements and explanations, if applicable
- Fingerprint transaction control numbers from the vendor receipt
- Educational verification and certification documentation
Applicants must pay an application fee. This nonrefundable fee covers administrative processing and background investigation costs. After submission, processing typically takes four to six weeks. However, complex background checks may take longer to process.
Certain felony convictions permanently disqualify individuals from obtaining PERCs, including violent crimes, theft-related offenses and crimes involving dishonesty or moral turpitude. The investigation also reviews outstanding warrants, pending criminal cases and patterns of criminal behavior that might compromise security responsibilities.
The IDFPR doesn’t mail physical cards. They provide digital cards via email for printing and presentation to employers.
Training Requirements
Security certification courses establish the knowledge foundation for professional security services in Illinois. The state mandates 20 hours of basic training through IDPFR-approved providers after receiving the PERC, covering essential topics such as:
- Constitutional and criminal law applicable to security operations
- Proper arrest and detention procedures within legal boundaries
- Report writing and documentation standards for incidents
- Public relations and professional communication techniques
- Emergency response protocols and crisis management
- Ethics and professional conduct in private security
This training must be completed within 30 days of employment.
Armed security guards require additional firearms training beyond basic certification. Candidates complete a total of 48 hours of firearms training covering legal use of force principles, weapon handling and safety procedures, marksmanship qualification standards and scenario-based decision training. The comprehensive training ensures guards possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Within six months of initial employment, guards must complete an additional eight hours of training on subjects determined by the employer. This supplementary instruction often includes site-specific procedures, client requirements and specialized skills for particular assignments.
The Renewal Process for PERCs
Working security professionals must renew their PERC to stay compliant with state regulations. Cards remain valid for three years from the date of issuance, with renewal notifications sent electronically 90 days before expiration. Guards must maintain current contact information with the IDFPR to receive renewal notifications. Missed renewals result in registration lapses requiring more complex reinstatement steps.
Many security positions require annual refresher training beyond state minimums. Guards complete eight hours of continuing education yearly on employer-selected topics. This ongoing training maintains skill proficiency while addressing evolving security challenges and regulatory updates. Armed guards must demonstrate weapons requalification within one year of renewal to maintain firearms authorization.
How to Verify Security Guard Credentials and Compliance
Hiring individuals without valid PERCs for security roles exposes both the employees and the employing company to fines and penalties. These security guard licensing requirements exist to protect public safety while establishing professional industry standards. Beyond legal compliance, proper licensing demonstrates a security company’s commitment to operational excellence and risk management.
The IDPFR provides public access to license verification for individuals through its online lookup system. This database offers real-time confirmation of PERC status, expiration dates and disciplinary history. Verification best practices include:
- Checking credentials before initial employment begins
- Monitoring expiration dates for timely renewal processing
- Documenting all verification efforts for compliance records
- Reviewing any disciplinary actions affecting employment suitability
Professional security companies maintain compliance programs that eliminate verification burdens for clients. These providers implement continuous monitoring systems, keep detailed documentation and assume responsibility for regulatory compliance.
Become a Security Guard at The Guard Alliance
Obtaining a PERC is critical for security professionals in Illinois. Once you have your state-recognized credentials in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for deployments with leading security service providers in Illinois. Looking to become a guard at The Guard Alliance? We are America’s most trusted security company, licensed in 19 states, including Illinois.
We’re always searching for new team members in Illinois and beyond. Once you’ve completed all training and requirements, reach out to us to learn about our open roles.
